Sure, the buyer wants the home inspection to go smoothly, but the seller has a vested interest in that outcome as well. Here are the Top 10 Tips for a seller to facilitate the best possible outcome. Remember, a successful inspection is the first step to a problem-free, on-time closing.
- Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
- Ensure pets won’t hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. If they must stay home, be sure to tell your agent!
- Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a “light is inoperable” report, which may suggest an electrical problem.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
- Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
- Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation, which may be cited as “conducive conditions” for termites.
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Unlock areas the inspector must access — attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates, and crawl spaces.
- Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
- Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks/latches, windowpanes, screens, gutters, downspouts, and chimney caps. These seemingly minor items can cause a buyer to think other, more important and expensive maintenance has also been deferred.
Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!
To learn more about what is going to take place when the inspector comes to your home, check out What to Expect When We’re Inspecting.